Indoor Plant Care Guide: Tips to Keep Your Houseplants Healthy & Green

Indoor Plant Care Guide: Did you know? Caring for indoor plants does not require any special expertise. Indoor plants are easy to care for – they do not need much attention. Yes, you read that right. In fact, over-caring can actually harm them.

In this article, we will explain how to take proper care of indoor plants and highlight some common mistakes that should be avoided.

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Indoor Plant Care Guide

1. Understand the location and sunlight requirement

Indoor plants grow best when placed in areas where they receive at least one of three types of light: bright light, indirect sunlight, or direct sunlight.

Note:

They are not suitable for dark, enclosed spaces like bathrooms or kitchens where natural light is limited.

In bright light conditions, you can place popular plants like: Snake plant, Spider plant, ZZ plant, Lucky bamboo, Syngonium. These plants can also grow well in indirect or direct sunlight.

Other great indoor options you can include like: Areca palm, Dumb cane (dieffenbachia), Peace lily, Satin Pothos, Golden Money plant, Aglaonema, Rubber plant, Betel leaf plant, Monstera, and more.

Note:

It is important to note that plants cannot survive in completely dark spaces – not even with grow lights. Although grow lights can support plants growth, they still require some ambient light to be effective.

In complete darkness, even with grow light, indoor plants are unlikely to survive.

2. Awareness before buying Indoor plants:

(i) Buy from a trusted nursery:

Always purchase indoor plants from a reputable and well-known nursery. Though they may be a little expensive, the quality and health of the plants are worth the extra cost.

(ii) Choose a healthy plant:

Look for plants that are healthy and in a good condition. A plant that already looks stressed or weak may struggle to survive once you bring it home.

(iii) Prefer locally potted plants:

Opt for plants that are already growing in the local soil of your area, as they’ll adapt more easily to the environment.
If you find a healthy plant that isn’t in local soil, you can still buy it — just be prepared to give it a little extra care.

(v) Avoid repotting

Most indoor plants do not respond well to frequent repotting. It’s best to choose a plant that is already in a sturdy and in a suitable pot.
Try to avoid buying plants that come in plastic grow bags or damaged containers.

3. Selecting the right pot for indoor plants

Clay pots are often the best choice for plants, thanks to their breathability and natural look. However, when it comes to indoor decor, many people look for pots that also enhance the aesthetic of their space. While clay pots are simple and understated, they can easily be painted or decorated to match your home’s style.

Avoid using cement pots indoors — they’re quite heavy, can damage flooring, and are difficult to move around.

Ceramic pots are a beautiful alternative and can elevate the look of any indoor space, but not all plants thrive in them. Only very hardy plants like the Jade plant or Syngonium typically do well in ceramic pots.

If other options are not available, high-quality plastic pots can also be used for indoor plants.

Grow bags are not recommended for indoor plants.

Note:

When it comes to pot size, always choose a pot that is just one size larger than the plant’s current pot.
Avoid placing indoor plants in oversized pots, as this can lead to overwatering and hinder their growth.

4. Pot plates and stand for indoor plants

Always place trays or plates under your pots to catch excess water and dust. This helps keep your floors clean and dry. Avoid placing large plants like Areca palm on stands, as they can become unstable and may topple over during cleaning.

Position smaller plants near windows where they can get enough light, and place medium-sized plants on low tables for better support and visibility.

Note:

Try not to move or disturb your plants frequently while cleaning. Most indoor plants thrive best in a stable, undisturbed environment.

5. Soil Mixture for indoor plants

The soil mixture for indoor plants should be light, well-balanced, and not too compact. Unlike outdoor plants, indoor plants receive less sunlight or airflow, which means their soil tends to stay moist for longer. That’s why the soil mix should prevent excess water retention and promote healthy root growth.

Compact soil of Areca palm – not good for the plant

A well-draining, balanced soil mix is the key to keeping your indoor plants happy and thriving.

6. Avoid Frequent Watering

Indoor plants generally do not require frequent watering, so it’s important to check the soil before giving water.

Steps to check soil moisture of indoor plant

First, touch the top layer of the soil—if it feels sticky or moist, there’s no need to water yet.
If the top layer appears dry, insert a stick deep into the soil and then pull it out.
If the stick comes out dry and free of any soil clinging to it, this means the soil is dry and it’s time to water.

7. When to give fertiliser to indoor plants

Indoor plants grow slowly, so they do not need frequent feeding. Give organic fertilizer once every two months is enough to keep them healthy.

You can use:

Food sticks,
diluted seaweed fertilizer, and
Prime Plus can be used effectively,
Natural alternatives like onion peel water,
Mustard cake and neem cake are good organic fertilizers as well, but they should be finely sieved before use.

8. Pesticides

There is usually no need for pesticides if you take care of your indoor plants as mentioned above. Pests do not usually attack healthy plants. However, if the pots are kept in dark rooms or areas with poor ventilation, the risk of pest infestation increases.

As a preventive measure,

Spray neem leaf concoction on your plants once a month,
Take the plant outside before spraying and cover it thoroughly.
If neem concoction isn’t available, you can use a plant protector spray.

If there is pest attack:

Check your plants, identify the problem and do proper treatment.
During the rainy season, it is helpful to water the plants with a mild fungicide solution once or twice a month to prevent fungal infections.